It is not often that education rises beyond the boundaries of academics and pushes its students towards the path of self actualization. This is a rare and commendable effort.

Agnello Dias, Chairman & Co-Founder, Taproot India

Like walking through a library of the future . Thank you for opening my eyes.

Josy Paul, Chairman and National Creative Director, BBDO India.

It is one of the greatest efforts I have seen .How passion can give shape to an institution which will hopefully, one day become a national treasure.

Anil Kapoor, Chairman Emeritus, Draft FCB Ulka

As always the Iqbal touch of class shows – in his students . I think Iqbal and Anu are doing a HUGE service to our industry and I wish them all the very best .I enjoy watching them shape raw talent into pure art !

Meera Sharath Chandra, Founder CEO & CCO of Tigress Tigress

I will remember my visit and my concert here as one of my life’s best moments. I played my best music in years here, am very inspired and moved , looking forward to my next visit

Salil Bhatt, Musician

LLA is a centre of excellence for Young Creative Minds ! Looking forward to my next trek to LLA

Bharath Bala, Filmmaker

Ocean Earth & Sky — that is where I wanted to feel my presence, personally and Professionally… through my passion for photography and professionally through my work —-that’s the beauty about this profession, where ever you are, the world above or beneath -photography exists !!! Light& Light Academy has helped me to achieve my passion into my profession – my dream to be an automobile and underwater photographer. Thanks to Iqbal Sir and Anu Mam for being a part of my inspiration and achievements.

Ajit S N (Alumnus)

I was partially responsible for naming the Academy, and today when I visited this place I realised how Light & Life complement each other even in a dream ! May God and nature keep showering their blessings on this child of destiny.

Ashok Roy, Creative Guru

One of my most exciting moments of 2013. I’m always proud being a student of Mr. Iqbal sir. A man with great simplicity, enthusiasm, spirit and the huge love for photography. He is always my inspiration.

You have given me a year full of memories, knowledge and fun which I don’t think I can get from anywhere else.

Azharudeen – Alumnus, LLA

Like walking through a library of the future . Thank you for opening my eyes.

Josy Paul, Chairman and National Creative Director, BBDO India.

Thanks for making me a photographer !!!

Bharath Srinivasan

A rarity in terms of talent, heart and passion ….you inspire us all Iqbal Sir !!!

In a display like this , its very difficult to single out any one talent . What I do find amazing is that LLA is that one institute that has managed to make so many different styles emerge . It takes a lot to impart skill / knowledge without stamping on creativity ! Well done .

Sudha Panchapakesan, Real Image – Chennai

My experience at LLA has been really brilliant. Meeting some of the top level and most sought after photographers in the industry was the icing on the cake, after being able to learn so much from them.

Shantanobo Das, Mumbai.

Being here has not only given me a chance to call myself a ‘Photographer’ and not just a ‘student of photography’, but also to transform myself into what I hope is a better human being.

Nrithya Randhir, Chennai.

After seeing these (LLA Alumni work) ” I feel Life is worth living”

P.C.Sreeram, Renowned Cinematographer

Firstly I have to thank Light & Life Academy for giving us the opportunity to work under a great personality in Indian cinema. Getting feedback from him was very encouraging. We got a better understanding as to what it takes for a multimedia production to occur.

Rejoy Krishna, Batch 15 On Alphonse Roy’s Class

Getting into LLA was a dream come true and we all thought that we had something in us to be a part of this esteemed academy. I am grateful to the amazing faculty and I am blessed to have them as a family away from home. With so much to learn I am glad that I am in safe hands. Looking forward to exploring the magical world of photography through their eyes.

Monika, Batch 15, On getting into LLA

It was really fantastic to see so much of enthusiasm from the children. Their response was very overwhelming and i really loved teaching them.

Manieesha, Batch 15, On the Social Work Program

As a true beginner who just bought a DSLR the first session as beautifully designed to meet the beginner needs. The assignments were challenging but also fun which enabled keeping a positive morale at the start of the program.

Akshay Sharma, Batch 15, On the first module at LLA

Iqbal Sir’s class is the most amazing experience for me. There is so much to learn from him, not just about photography but also living life. His experience in this field is very well showing out when he shares his different stories.

Sampada A, Batch 15, On Light class conducted by Iqbal

Batch 15 has students belonging to various parts of the country with different mindsets and our love for photography is the binding factor. Our first faculty, Ms. Punya helped us understand aesthetics in photography. We not only learnt aesthetics of photography in this session, but also aesthetics of life.

Swet Priya, Batch 15, On Light & Life Academy

Professional Photojournalism

The function of Photojournalism is, and has always been to hold a mirror up to society, so society can look at itself. The great Photojournalists of today and yesterday have kept pace with the times by mirroring it and in their reflection of the world, they have informed and changed the world. By seeing who we are today, we can decide who we want to be tomorrow. With this as background, this course is designed to inspire you to create photojournalistic images of myriad hues, people, events, sports etc. For diverse media vehicles from print to social media, towards a career in Photojournalism

At Light & Life Academy we believe, whatever the reason for creating an image, the fundamental requirement is a good understanding of the art and science of Photography. This will help create images that will draw attention and engage the viewer. The Professional Photojournalism course is entirely digital; with great emphasis on the use of current technology in Photography.

There are primarily three things we need to focus on as Photojournalists:

Getting an image that will stand out in a crowd, especially in the context of the fact that every one who has a cellphone today is a photographer, and most take good images.

The diverse media vehicles available today and the way different audiences consume news.

To create a personal space in terms of sensibility and aesthetics.

Photojournalism Course Content

As with all professional programmes conducted by LLA, the Photojournalism programme too is very well structured. The course is also in line with the way news is reported and consumed today. While we will have emphasis on DSLR photography, we will also be covering cellphone photography and videography relevant to documenting news.

Photojournalism Course Details

Fundamentals of 35mm Digital SLR Photography.

Digital Workflow and Photoshop Essentials.

Digital Black & White Photography.

Lighting: An in-depth study of light.

Using the available light effectively in different locations.

Using portable flash in different situations, indoor and outdoor.

Creativity

Image selection, colour balance, contrast cropping, etc.

Documentary Videography and creating Multimedia Presentation

Cellphone photography, Videography and Editing.

Ethics, laws and copyright

Drone photography

How to research a story

Remote Camera Photography

Projects

The Photojournalism course will cover general news, breaking news, sports, single picture story, picture sequences and pictures for features, location portraiture, human interest stories, social events, etc. History of photojournalism is interwoven through the course. Students are exposed to the issues of style and genre. The Photojournalism course is conducted through lectures, slide shows, assignments, critiques, in-class discussion, field trips, inspirational videos and brainstorming sessions. The Photojournalism course assignments include researching, photographing and preparing relevant visual journalistic content and making presentations.

Through the Photojournalism course, the student will be required to create and manage an e-magazine which is to be published once a fortnight on the LLA website.

The students will also be required to do an internship with any media house for a period of 1 month.

Evaluation

Assignment submissions are judged based on the communicative value, quality of content, creativity, originality and how publishable an image/visual story is, in a newspaper or magazine or on a news website, where standards correspond to the industry-wide norm. Punctuality, attendance and participation in class and in-class activities are mandatory.

Faculty

The core faculty are Professional Photographers who have made a mark in their chosen areas of photography, with a very good understanding of what it takes to create a technically and aesthetically appealing image, whatever the situation is. However, Photojournalism encompasses a larger ecosystem of knowledge and skills. Hence, we will have guest lecturers who are veterans in the field of Visual Journalism, practicing journalists and guest lecturers from specialised areas of interest and guest lectures from media houses.

The faculty will ensure that you’re equipped to create images that document whatever subjects/events you choose to portray.

Photojournalism Course Fee

Academic Fee: INR 2,10,000/-
Plus, Service Tax as applicable.

Refundable security deposit: INR 10,000/-
(Payment schedule will be given along with offer of admission letter)

The fees include

Lunch, Tea/coffee on days when you are required to be in college.

Transport from designated locations from Ooty town to college and back on days when a formal session is scheduled in college. It is however advisable for you to have your own personal transport.

Day field trips

Additional expenses

Personal equipment list as specified by the Academy will be given along with the offer of admission letter.

Accommodation
The Academy will help you find appropriate accommodation to suit your budget.

Get in Touch

Getting in

The Academy follows an open admission policy. You should have a minimum of 15 years of formal education in any subject with a degree. Exceptions will be made for candidates with work experience or life learning experiences, with a minimum of 12 years of formal education. You should be at least 20 years old. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis. It is a three step process:

Portfolio Review

Skype Interaction

Personal interview at the Academy

You have to bring your camera for a test shoot on campus when you come for the interview. The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interview.

Note
You should be familiar with a Digital SLR Camera. A basic knowledge of computer usage and general proficiency in English is essential. The course assumes that the applicant is already a keen photographer, but desires to hone his/her skills.

In line with the policy of the Academy to constantly update the course content based on developments in the field (technical and aesthetic), the course content, schedules and methodology are subject to change even as the course is in progress

How to Apply
Please send this application form along with:
1) Portfolio- 20 of your best images (Jpeg, 96 dpi) with a caption describing each image
2) Photocopy of educational certificates
3) Potocopy of certificates & extra-curricular activities
4) Demand draft of Rs 1000/- drawn in favour of Light & Life Academy payable at Ooty (scanned copy) or RTGS / Internet Banking Transfer of Rs.1000/-
5) Two references with address and contact numbers

Note :
Please send the application along with all above mentioned documents by Email to admissions@llacademy.org
For RTGS/Internet Banking transfer send the transaction details along with date of transfer in the same email.

D.D to be sent to us by Courier- DTDC / Professional only.
All documents along with application form can be sent by Speed Post or Courier- DTDC / Professional only